How to stop receding gums from getting worse? If you are concerned about your gums receding, you’re not alone.
Many people suffer from gum recession without realizing it. This is because the process happens gradually over time.
If you do see symptoms, it’s important to consult your dentist as soon as possible.
In this blog post, we will discuss some steps that you can take to prevent gum recession from getting worse.
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What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue surrounding the teeth starts to pull away, or recede.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, including gum disease, genetics, and brushing too aggressively.
As the gums recede, they can leave the roots of the teeth exposed. This can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay.
In some cases, gum recession can also cause the teeth to look longer than they actually are. If left untreated, gum recession can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available for preventing and reversing gum recession.
These include deep cleanings, changes in oral care routines, and surgery. By seeking treatment early, it is possible to keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great.
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What are the common indications that your gums are receding?
Now that we’ve talked about what gum recession is, let’s take a look at some of the signs and symptoms.
Keep in mind that, because gum recession happens gradually, you may not notice the early signs.
It’s important to be aware of the potential indicators so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
Some common signs of gum recession include:
Loose teeth
One sign that your gums may be receding is if you start to notice that your teeth are becoming loose. This is because the gum tissue is no longer supporting the teeth as it should.
If you have any loose teeth, it’s important to see your dentist right away. They will be able to determine whether or not gum recession is the cause.
Exposed tooth roots
Another sign of gum recession is exposed tooth roots. This can happen when the gums start to pull away from the teeth.
As the gum tissue recedes, it exposes the roots of the teeth. This can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay.
If you notice that your tooth roots are becoming exposed, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Visibly shrinking gums
Another way to tell if your gums are receding is by looking at them closely in a mirror. If you notice that your gums seem to be shrinking, it’s a good indication that they are receding.
This is because the gum tissue is gradually pulling away from the teeth. If you see this happening, you should make an appointment to see your dentist.
Pain at the gum line
Another common sign of gum recession is pain at the gum line. This can happen when the roots of the teeth are exposed.
As the roots become exposed, they can be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This can cause pain or discomfort when eating or drinking.
If you notice pain at your gum line, it’s important to see your dentist. They can determine the cause and recommend treatment.
Bad breath
Bad breath is another common symptom of gum recession. This is because the bacteria that cause bad breath can build up in the exposed roots of the teeth.
If you notice that your breath is becoming more foul-smelling, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. They can determine if gum recession is the cause and recommend treatment.
Red and/or swollen gums
Red and swollen gums are another common sign of gum recession. This is because the gum tissue is inflamed.
If you notice that your gums are red or swollen, it’s important to see your dentist. They can determine if gum recession is the cause and recommend treatment.
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Gum recession is often the cause of bleeding gums.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to determine the cause of the bleeding and recommend treatment.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could be a sign of gum recession.
When your gums recede, they expose the root of your tooth. This can make your teeth sensitive to temperature changes.
Changes in the fit of your dentures
If you wear dentures, you may notice that they no longer fit as well as they used to. This is because gum recession can change the shape of your mouth.
What causes gum recession?
Gum disease/gingivitis
Gum disease and receding gums are often caused by the same thing: plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove and can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis).
As the gums become inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth. This can lead to gum recession.
Brushing too hard
One of the most common causes of gum recession is brushing your teeth too hard. When you brush your teeth too vigorously, it can damage the gums.
This can cause the gums to recede and expose the roots of your teeth. If you brush too hard, it’s important to see your dentist. They can recommend a softer toothbrush for you to use.
Clenching or grinding your teeth
If you grind or clench your teeth, it can put a lot of pressure on them. Over time, this pressure can damage the gums and lead to gum recession.
If you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, it’s important to see your dentist. They can recommend a mouthguard to help protect your teeth.
Family history
Gum recession can also be caused by a family history of the condition. If your parents or grandparents had gum recession, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
Neglected dental care
if you neglect your dental care, it can lead to gum recession. This is because plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the plaque and tartar can harden and cause gum inflammation. As the gums become inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth.
Hormonal changes
Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all cause hormonal changes in the body. These changes can make the gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum recession.
If you’re experiencing any of these life changes, it’s important to see your dentist. They can recommend ways to help protect your teeth and gums.
Tobacco use
Tobacco use is one of the most common risk factors for gum recession. This is because tobacco can cause the gums to become inflamed.
It can also make it harder for the gums to heal after an injury. If you use tobacco, it’s important to see your dentist.
Lip or tongue piercings
Teeth that are misaligned or have sharp edges can put unnecessary pressure on the gums. This can lead to gum recession.
Lip and tongue piercings can also damage the gums. The jewelry can rub against the gums and cause them to become inflamed.
Diabetes
diabetes can also be a risk factor for gum recession. This is because diabetes can cause changes in the mouth.
It can make the gums more susceptible to infection and make it harder for the gums to heal after an injury.
Diagnosing And Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of gum recession, and it can have a serious impact on your oral health if left untreated.
Fortunately, diagnosing gum disease is relatively simple, and there are a number of effective treatment options available.
Your dentist will use a probe to measure the depth of your gum pockets, and anything over 3 millimeters will be an indication that gum disease is present.
If your gums have receded due to periodontal disease, it may be possible to halt the recession with a scale and root planing procedure.
This simple procedure involves removing plaque and bacteria that have accumulated on the surfaces of your teeth and below the gumline.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can help protect your gums from further damage.
Bottomline
Gum recession is a common dental problem that can have a number of different causes.
If you think you may be at risk for gum recession, it’s important to see your dentist. They can help diagnose the cause of your gum recession and recommend treatment options.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can help protect your gums from further damage.
FAQ About Gum Recession
Below are some frequently asked questions about gum recession.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a condition in which the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become more exposed and susceptible to damage.
What are the symptoms of gum recession?
The symptoms of gum recession include sensitive teeth, tooth pain, and bleeding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible.
What are the causes of gum recession?
There are several causes of gum recession, including brushing too hard, periodontal disease, and tooth grinding.
How can I prevent gum recession?
You can prevent gum recession by brushing your teeth gently, using a soft toothbrush, and avoiding smoking.
If I have gum recession, what treatment options are available?
There are several treatment options for gum recession, including oral hygiene, scaling and root planing, and surgery.
What is the outlook for gum recession?
The outlook for gum recession is good if it is caught early and treated. However, if it is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth loss.
How should I care for my teeth if I have gum recession?
If you have gum recession, you should take extra care to brush your teeth gently and avoid smoking. You should also see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
What are some online resources, and non-profits for people with gum recession?
–The American Dental Association
–The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
–The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
–National Foundation for dental research
These are just a few of the many online resources, non-profits, and support groups for people with gum recession.
If you are looking for more information or support, there are many other organizations that can help.